Homebrew Kegging Setup Builder | Kegerator & Keezer Parts List | Wholesale Beer Parts
Homebrew Kegging Setup Builder
Ready to ditch bottles and keg your homebrew? Tell us about your fridge, how many taps you want, and your budget — we'll build a complete parts list with estimated costs so you order everything you need the first time.
What you need for homebrew kegging
Kegging your homebrew saves hours of bottling, gives you consistent carbonation, and lets you serve beer on draft at home the same way bars do. But the parts list can be overwhelming for first-timers: CO2 tank, regulator, kegs, disconnects, beer lines, faucet, shank, tower or collar — and every fridge type requires slightly different parts.
This homebrew kegging setup builder walks through your fridge type, desired tap count, experience level, and budget to generate a tailored bill of materials. Select your options below and click Build My Parts List to see everything you need, including estimated total cost.
Fridge types and what they change
Chest freezer / keezer — Most popular. Requires a wooden or pre-drilled collar for mounting taps and a temperature controller (Inkbird ITC-308 or similar) to convert the freezer into a kegerator.
Mini fridge — Compact option for 1–2 taps. Limited interior space; typically uses a tower mounted on top. No temperature controller needed if the built-in thermostat holds 36–40°F.
Full-size refrigerator — Room for multiple kegs and shelves. Usually uses a tower or shanks through the door. Can be a challenge to route beer lines through the door seal.
Dedicated kegerator — Already has a tower. You primarily need kegs, disconnects, and a gas system. No collar, temperature controller, or tower required.
Yes — any fridge or freezer capable of maintaining 36–40°F can be converted. Mini fridges work well for 1–2 taps but have limited interior height for kegs. Chest freezers are the most popular option because they offer more space per dollar, but they require a temperature controller and a wooden collar for mounting faucets.
Ball lock or pin lock — which keg system should I use?
Ball lock is the de facto standard for American homebrewers. The disconnects push on and twist to lock (similar to a soda machine fitting). Gas disconnects are gray and liquid are black, so they're impossible to mix up. Pin lock kegs use two distinct pin patterns — also effective but parts are less widely available. We recommend ball lock for new setups.
How long does it take to carbonate beer in a keg?
At standard serving pressure (10–12 PSI at 38°F), it takes about 1–2 weeks for beer to reach full carbonation. For faster results, use the set-and-forget method at serving pressure, or try burst carbonation at 30 PSI for 24–48 hours followed by a return to serving pressure. The forced-carbonation approach requires a CO2 regulator with two gauges.
Do I need a temperature controller for a chest freezer keezer?
Yes — a chest freezer's built-in thermostat is set to hold temperatures well below freezing. An external temperature controller like the Inkbird ITC-308 or STC-1000 cycles the freezer on and off to maintain 36–40°F. Without one, your beer will freeze. Most mini fridges and full-size refrigerators already have adjustable thermostats that can reach serving temperature without a controller.
What size CO2 tank do I need for homebrew kegging?
A 5 lb CO2 tank is the standard starting size for 1–2 taps and should last several months with weekly use. For 3–4 taps, a 10 lb tank is recommended. For 5+ taps, a 20 lb tank minimizes refill trips. All three sizes use the standard CGA-320 valve fitting, so you can upgrade the tank without changing the regulator.
How do I clean my keg lines and disconnects?
After each keg kicks, flush the beer line with warm water, then circulate beer line cleaner (BLC) through the system for 15–20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Disassemble the ball lock disconnects annually to replace O-rings and clean the internal poppet valves. A dedicated line cleaning kit makes the job much easier.
Ready to start kegging your homebrew?
We carry the full range of homebrew kegging equipment — Cornelius ball lock kegs, dual-gauge CO2 regulators, ball lock disconnects, beer line, faucets, shanks, and complete conversion kits. Everything in stock and ready to ship from the Northeast.
